Governor Camacho and Lorraine Shin encourage residents to inquire about several affordable housing programs
June 23, 2008
Lorraine Shin, Hawaii State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, presented a $25,000 grant to Governor Felix P. Camacho this morning following a meeting between the two leaders. The grant will be used to conduct a preliminary architectural and engineering study for the expansion of the Chamorro Village.
"We are grateful to USDA and excited to start the expansion project at Chamorro Village so we can encourage more cultural activities and small business growth among our people," Governor Camacho said.
"This is a $25,000 check to the Department of Chamorro Affairs to help your community expand its cultural facilities," Ms. Shin said.
Sylvia Flores, Acting President for the Department of Chamorro Affairs, said the architectural and engineering study will look at the current footprint of the Chamorro Village. The results of the study will be used to determine how to expand the Chamorro Village, including possible plans for a three-storey building to house the Department of Chamorro Affairs, the Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency and a gallery.
Affordable Housing
Governor Camacho and Ms. Shin also discussed the availability of several housing and home-repair programs, which help Guam's elderly residents and low to very-low income families. The USDA Section 504 grant successfully has assisted 17 elderly residents to make home repairs. The loan leverage program partnership between USDA and the Guam Housing Corporation, also known as the Governor's Building Dreams program, has helped 31 families achieve the dream of homeownership. These and other programs through USDA are available to residents who qualify.
"USDA and the Administration have a strong partnership that is improving our community and helping many of our people achieve the dream of homeownership," Governor Camacho said.
"We're looking at home repair grants for the elderly and home repair loans for very-low income families," Ms. Shin said. Ms. Shin encourages residents interested in buying a home or making repairs to inquire with the USDA Guam office by calling 472-7272.
Governor Camacho also encourages residents to take advantage of affordable housing programs at the Guam Housing Corporation. Residents can contact GHC at 647-4143 or by visiting its office on the fifth floor of the ITC building in Tamuning.
